Why do people say "symbiotic relationship" when they really mean "mutualistic"? - eviltoast
  • pantyhosewimp@lemmynsfw.com
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    5 months ago

    Even after you do, you still have to find a definition

    LOL! 99% of people absolutely do not look up a new word when they hear it. If the listener thinks it makes the speaker sound smart then they get a vague idea of the meaning from context and then start using it – often in the wrong context. All the dummies of the world repeat this process and it spreads like a virus.

    And thus, another word with a very specific meaning gets turned into another broad-meaning synonym. If don’t believe me I’ll caveat all over your nuances until you verbiage.

    • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Much like you and the comment you replied to, people DO “find a definition” without looking it up. They use context to assign a definition. They may end up inferring a completely different definition than anything you’ve heard, but they have defined it in some way.